It’s clear, based on a new social media post, that Pokemon has big plans for 2026 ahead of it, as the franchise is set to celebrate a massive milestone. 2026 is going to be a big year for The Pokemon Company as its massively popular Pokemon franchise will be celebrating its 30th anniversary. After originally launching in Japan in 1996, the IP has gone on to become a massive media franchise, branching off from the original line of video games to cover just about everything from anime, books, trading cards, and toys.
The Japanese release of Pocket Monsters Red and Green actually launched in February 1996 before debuting as Pokemon Red and Blue in North America two years later, meaning the franchise is officially turning 30 in 2026. While the launch of Pokemon Legends: Z-A was the big game release in 2025, it appears that The Pokemon Company has big plans for 2026, with many expecting to see what lies in store for the anticipated launch of the 10th generation video game.
Say Goodbye to Pokemon Gen 10, Legends Galar Leaks in 2026
You will have to say goodbye to leaks regarding Pokemon Gen 10 and the Legends Galar game in 2026 for a rather unexpected reason.
2026 Is Going To Be a Big One For Pokemon
In a new post right before the dawn of the new year, the official Japanese account for Pokemon teased fans with its plans for 2026. Highlighting the post by confirming the franchise’s 30th anniversary through the launch of Pokemon Red and Green, the account goes on to tease that 2026 is “going to be the best one yet” and that fans should “look forward to it!” The post concluded with a short animation showing the original design and sound effects for Pikachu turning into the new anniversary logo which fans will likely be seeing quite a bit of in 2026.
Unfortunately, that’s where the details end, leaving fans to speculate on what the franchise is planning for all of its games and other content. While its possible that Pokemon Legends: Z-A announces more DLC to go alongside Mega Dimension, all eyes are now on the upcoming mainline Generation 10 game, which has continued to see potential leaks and rumors circulate online. Alongside that, LEGO and Pokemon are planning major set releases, and if the rumors are true, Pokemon TCG is also set to release a huge 30th Anniversary collection.
In terms of Gen 10, fans have come to know the upcoming games as Pokemon Wind and Wave, though nothing is official as of right now. New leaks have continued to arrive online, with recent details showcasing the next Pokemon title’s massive city and potential Rotom-enabled traversal. While the leaked materials seem to be at an earlier stage of development, the city appears to offer players a mix of modern, with traditional glass and steel buildings, and traditional, through the existence of pagoda-style architecture. A leaked silhouette of the Gen 10 Professor has also surfaced, teasing an older man with bushy eyebrows and beard. Fans are expecting a potential reveal in February 2026 through some Pokemon Presents event that lines up with the actual franchise anniversary date, but for now, nothing has been confirmed.
While there’s still plenty of mystery about Pokemon‘s ultimate plans for its 30th anniversary in 2026, there are a couple of previously announced content that fans can look forward to. Pokemon Champions appears to focus more on the trainer battles in past games like Stadium anmd become the main hub for all VGC-related activities. Alternatively, Pokopia is more in the “cozy-game” genre, letting players customize and build their own space to invite other Pokemon to visit. Both games have confirmed 2026 launch dates, but it is highly likely that they’ll be joined by the highly anticipated next mainline Pokemon title.
